CANCER OF THE PANCREAS
Overview
Cancer of the pancreas (Pancreatic cancer) is a form of cancer that affects the tissues of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen which is lying horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. The major function of the pancreas is to secrete enzymes and hormones such as insulin, which takes part in the management of blood sugar.
The cancer of the pancreas begins from the pancreas and spreads to include nearby organs tissues and organs. Cancer may go undetected in its early stages. The prevalence of the disease could be hereditary in some families or may produce cysts which assist the doctors to diagnose the disease. One of the major signs of pancreatic cancer is diabetes which is accompanied by weight loss, jaundice or pain in the upper part of the stomach which may spread to the back.
Signs and Symptoms
The onset of pancreatic cancer may not produce any signs and symptoms but as the disease progresses, the following signs are usually observed. Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back
Blood clots Depression
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss accompanied by Loss of appetite.
New-onset diabetes Jaundice; the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes.
Causes
The major cause of the disease is not still clear. Doctors, however, believe that it may be linked with some habits such as smoking which may increase the risk of the disease.
Generally, the onset of pancreatic cancer brings about a mutation in the cellular DNA of the pancreas. These mutations continue to increase in size until they form a tumor and spread to other organs and blood vessels.
Prevention
The major prevention measures associated with pancreatic cancer is to have a change in lifestyle and this can be achieved through the following ways;
Quit smoking:
Smoking has been identified as one of the major causes of pancreatic cancer. To quit smoking you can contact your doctor on the best action plan to work on. We, however, suggest you join support groups and practice nicotine replacement therapy.
Maintain a healthy weight:
Always maintain a healthy body weight. If you want to lose weight, a steady weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds) is perfect per week. Always keep the body exercised and consume diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer takes place in the following ways;
Imaging tests such as Computerized tomography scans (CT scans), Position emission tomography (PET) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that create pictures of your internal organs.
Using a scope such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to create ultrasound pictures of your pancreas.
Removing a tissue sample for testing (biopsy)
Blood test for specific proteins known as tumor markers which are shed by the pancreatic cells.
Treatment
Treatment of pancreatic cancer usually depends on the stage of cancer. For the advanced stages of the cancer, the following procedures for treatment procedures can be utilized.
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Cancer of the pancreas (Pancreatic cancer) is a form of cancer that affects the tissues of the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen which is lying horizontally behind the lower part of the stomach. The major function of the pancreas is to secrete enzymes and hormones such as insulin, which takes part in the management of blood sugar.
The cancer of the pancreas begins from the pancreas and spreads to include nearby organs tissues and organs. Cancer may go undetected in its early stages. The prevalence of the disease could be hereditary in some families or may produce cysts which assist the doctors to diagnose the disease. One of the major signs of pancreatic cancer is diabetes which is accompanied by weight loss, jaundice or pain in the upper part of the stomach which may spread to the back.
Signs and Symptoms
The onset of pancreatic cancer may not produce any signs and symptoms but as the disease progresses, the following signs are usually observed. Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back
Blood clots Depression
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss accompanied by Loss of appetite.
New-onset diabetes Jaundice; the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes.
Causes
The major cause of the disease is not still clear. Doctors, however, believe that it may be linked with some habits such as smoking which may increase the risk of the disease.
Generally, the onset of pancreatic cancer brings about a mutation in the cellular DNA of the pancreas. These mutations continue to increase in size until they form a tumor and spread to other organs and blood vessels.
Prevention
The major prevention measures associated with pancreatic cancer is to have a change in lifestyle and this can be achieved through the following ways;
Quit smoking:
Smoking has been identified as one of the major causes of pancreatic cancer. To quit smoking you can contact your doctor on the best action plan to work on. We, however, suggest you join support groups and practice nicotine replacement therapy.
Maintain a healthy weight:
Always maintain a healthy body weight. If you want to lose weight, a steady weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds) is perfect per week. Always keep the body exercised and consume diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer takes place in the following ways;
Imaging tests such as Computerized tomography scans (CT scans), Position emission tomography (PET) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that create pictures of your internal organs.
Using a scope such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to create ultrasound pictures of your pancreas.
Removing a tissue sample for testing (biopsy)
Blood test for specific proteins known as tumor markers which are shed by the pancreatic cells.
Treatment
Treatment of pancreatic cancer usually depends on the stage of cancer. For the advanced stages of the cancer, the following procedures for treatment procedures can be utilized.
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
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